Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
The RiVeR Project Podcast Series, hosted by Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), is a key strand of initiatives exploring how Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is understood and addressed in Ireland, under the theme Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Featuring a wide constellation of voices—from frontline services and academic research to legal, policy, educational, community-based perspectives and lived experience— The episodes engage critically with prevention, intervention, and systemic change, offering a trauma-informed and interdisciplinary resource for collective learning and response.
The episodes below offer a sequential exploration of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode One
We are pleased to introduce the inaugural episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), launched under the theme “Insight into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.”
This episode features Dr. Edel Healy Executive Project Lead , DkIT President’s Office and Chair of the RiVeR Project Steering Committee. Dr. Healy reflects on the origins of the RiVeR Project, tracing its development from Ireland’s first accredited programme on domestic abuse to a nationally funded initiative advancing education, research, and community engagement. She outlines the project’s interdisciplinary framework, collaborative ethos, and expanding outputs—including micro-credentials, postgraduate programmes, and the creation of an All-Island Community of Practice.
Click below to watch and listen to Episode One
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode One of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode Two
We are pleased to present the second episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
This episode features Dr. Kathleen Nallen, Project Lead for the RiVeR Project, who offers in-depth insights into its evolving educational and research-driven initiatives. Dr. Nallen discusses the redevelopment of the Level 8 certificate programme on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the development of micro-credentials on coercive control and child-centred responses and the adaptation of ‘In Their Shoes’—an experiential learning resource—to an Irish based context. Emphasis is placed on governance structures and working groups, as well as the growing all-Island RiVeR Project Community of Practice who attend conferences and events hosted by the RiVeR Project.
Click below to watch and listen to Episode Two
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode Two of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode Three
We are pleased to present the third episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
This episode features Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney from An Garda Síochána’s National Domestic Abuse Unit. Drawing from extensive frontline experience, Detective Sergeant Sweeney explores contemporary policing responses to domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. She addresses legislative developments—including coercive control and non-fatal strangulation—while highlighting the importance of trauma-informed practice, interagency collaboration, and victim-centred support in advancing justice and safety.
Click below to watch and listen to Episode Three
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode Three of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode Four
We are pleased to present the fourth episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
This episode features Dr. Michelle Walsh, CEO of Move Ireland, and Lisa Brown, Director of Client Services at Move Ireland. Together, they provide an insightful overview of the Choices programme—Move Ireland’s national behavioural intervention for individuals who perpetrate domestic abuse. The discussion explores the programme’s structure, trauma-informed therapeutic approach, and its integrated focus on risk management, safety planning, and partner support. Emphasis is placed on the need for early intervention, cross-sectoral collaboration, and a whole-of-society approach to addressing perpetration and safeguarding families.
Click below to watch and listen to Episode Four
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode Four of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode Five
We are pleased to present the fifth episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
This episode features Belinda Breagy, Manager of Rape Crisis North East (RCNE), alongside Senior Therapists Annmarie Kennedy and Mary Mooney. Together, they offer an in-depth account of RCNE’s trauma-informed services, supporting survivors of sexual violence across Louth, Meath, and Monaghan. The discussion highlights counselling, advocacy, and accompaniment services, while foregrounding the importance of emotional safety, survivor agency, and validation. The conversation also examines key legal frameworks—including the Domestic Violence Act, Coco’s Law, and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Acts—and their implications for frontline support, therapeutic practice, and victim empowerment.
Click below to watch and listen to Episode Five
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode Five of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode Six
We are pleased to present the sixth episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
This episode features Kathrina Bentley, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Men’s Aid Ireland. Drawing on extensive frontline expertise, Kathrina offers insight into the organisation’s work with male victims of domestic abuse. She discusses the origins of Men’s Aid, the stigma faced by male survivors, and the development of a trauma-informed, victim-centred support model that includes counselling, court accompaniment, outreach, and education. The episode also reflects on Men’s Aid’s strategic advocacy efforts, collaborative training initiatives, and the growing public recognition of male victimisation in domestic violence contexts.
Click below to watch and listen to Episode Six
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode Six of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode Seven
We are pleased to present the 7th episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
This episode features Eoin Manning, The Courts Service, North Midlands Regional Manager. Eoin offers insights into how the Courts Service work, its commitment to accessibility and its expanding remit in addressing Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV). Eoin describes the pathways through which individuals can seek protection through various court orders and highlights the timely and supportive way in which they engage with victims of DSGBV. Particular attention is given to the in-camera nature of family law proceedings and the Courts Service modern digital services which makes it easier for victims to navigate legal processes.
Click below to watch and listen to Episode Seven
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode Seven of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode Eight
We are pleased to present the 8th episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
This Episode features Sarah Benson – CEO, Women’s Aid Ireland . Sarah provides the background to Women’s Aid going back to the early 1970’s and charts its evolvement as a social change organisation also relaying her own career pathway to becoming its CEO. She discusses the significance of working from a feminist analysis and outlines the suite of services that Women’s Aid provide including the national Domestic Violence helpline, specialist training, advocacy, research, lobbying and public awareness campaigns. Sarah also discusses the importance of research, collaborative working and how victim/survivors can access services
Click below to watch and listen to Episode Eight
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode Eight of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
RiVeR Project Podcast Series – Episode Nine
We are pleased to present the 9th episode of the RiVeR Project Podcast Series at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT).
In this episode of Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, a podcast series by the River Project, Eve discusses her journey towards advocacy and activism and her instrumental role in the development of stalking legislation in Ireland. She provides listeners with the signs of stalking, the various types of stalkers and what to do if you think you are being stalked. Eve discusses the creation of a dedicated website where information is now easily accessible to the public. Eve also outlines her career pathway to becoming Communications & Engagement Officer with the Active* Consent programme.
Click below to watch and listen to Episode Nine
🎵 Spotify – To watch and listen to Episode Nine of the RiVeR Project Podcast, please click here
